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Fraternity members at a US university who packed fireworks into an antique cannon that exploded, punching a hole through a roof and blowing out the window of an apartment across the street, have been banned from serving alcohol at parties.

The Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Missouri must also lead two safety presentations. The alcohol ban lasts through the 2004-2005 school year.

Three fraternity members, including the chapter president and vice-president, are awaiting trial on misdemeanor charges stemming from the April 29 explosion. One cast-iron fragment crashed through the ceiling of a nearby apartment building and landed on a pingpong table during a game.

The university and the fraternity's national office, based in Lexington, Virginia, confirmed the sanctions to the Columbia Daily Tribune.

Chapter president Seth Fagan, 21, told police he fired the cannon as part of an annual tradition, according to court documents. He is charged with reckless exploding and third-degree assault, both punishable by one year in jail and a $US1,000 ($A1,440) fine.